The United States: Germany joins the Global Entry program

german skyline

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Travelers from Germany are now able to join the program.

Citizens of the Federal Republic of Germany who have been identified as potentially eligible for initial participation will receive a promotional code and information about the program from the German government. These individuals will be required to complete the online application located on the GOES website, enter the code during the application process, pay the non-refundable Global Entry fee and satisfy all the requirements of Global Entry.

These applicants will be permitted to participate in Global Entry upon successful completion of a thorough risk assessment by both CBP and the German Federal Police, and completion of an interview with CBP. The vetting criteria was mutually agreed upon and are consistent with each agency's applicable domestic laws and policies. CBP will notify the applicants regarding whether or not they have been accepted into Global Entry.

Global Entry began in February 2012 for U.S. travelers, and was initially open to citizens of Mexico and the Netherlands.

By August 2013, the program was enlarged for citizens of South Korea who participated in that country’s Smart Entry System, and for a limited number of citizens of Qatar, the United Kingdom and Germany.

The program was opened to all citizens of Panama in January 2015 and of the United Kingdom in December.

Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact the Regional Immigration Manager, Americas, Laura Taggart.